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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Retzius-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: May 19, 2022
The failure of a nerve sparing template to improve urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: attention to study
David T Tzou1, Bruce L Dalkin, Bea Anne Christopher
1Department of Surgery, Section of Urology, Tucson Medical Center and Biometry Unit, Arizona Cancer Center, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ 85712, USA.
Purpose:
To accurately assess the relationship between nerve sparing radical prostatectomy and urinary continence using an anonymous validated survey in men undergoing surgical treatment for prostate cancer.
Materials And Methods:
From September 1999 to February 2006, men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) by one surgeon were given the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index to complete preop, and then annually thereafter to 2 years. We have 285 men who have completed the pre-op and year 1 and /or year 2 surveys. Continence was defined as requiring "no pads" on the survey. Analysis was based on attempted nerve sparing status of the surgery; none, unilateral, or bilateral. Subgroup analysis was then performed on successful nerve sparing surgery, defined as men responding they have an erection "firm enough for intercourse."
Results:
Overall continence rates were 81% at year 1 and 87% at year 2. Attempted nerve sparing surgery, or successful nerve sparing surgery, did not result in better rates of continence than non-nerve sparing surgery.
Conclusions:
Using a validated survey with anonymous data collection, we found no improvement in continence, defined as pad-free, with attempted or successful nerve sparing RP. Based on our study, the goal of improving urinary outcomes should not be used as a justification for a nerve sparing template at radical prostatectomy.